Former President Barack Obama had to remind a raucous crowd in Newark, N.J. on Thursday that the 22nd Amendment prevents him from getting back into the White House.
At a campaign rally for New Jersey’s Democratic gubernatorial nominee Phil Murphy, attendees shouted "four more years" as Obama stood on stage addressing them. From his first appearance at the podium, the response was enthusiastic for the 44th president, who was replaced by President Donald Trump after he won the election against Obama's former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
"How's it going New Jersey?" Obama said. "Are you fired up? Are you ready to go?"
"Oh, it is good to be back in Jersey!" he said. "It’s good to be back in Newark, good to see all of you."
While he had a chance to talk over a slightly quieter crowd, he made a joke about friends in attendance.
"I got a bunch of old friends here—I don’t mean you look old, I’m saying we’ve known each other," Obama said.
Someone in the crowd shouted, "I love you!" and Obama replied, "I love you back!"
Obama tried to begin his remarks but the cheers drowned him out, and then the "four more years" chant began. They continued in unison while Murphy clapped along on stage, leading Obama to jest about that idea's questionable legality and family implications.
"I will refer both to the Constitution as well as to Michelle Obama to explain why that will not happen, but we got four more years coming up right here in Jersey," he said, referring to Murphy’s term as governor if he wins the election.
Crowd chants "four more years" as former Pres. Obama campaigns for Phil Murphy in New Jersey. https://t.co/niqpt9wEUz pic.twitter.com/7sdQkAxaSy
— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) October 19, 2017
Murphy won the Democratic nomination and is expected to win the gubernatorial race to replace outgoing Republican Gov. Chris Cristie, whose approval rating has sagged to low levels. Murphy's polling lead over Republican Kim Guadagno has consistently held in the double-digits.